Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges. As their numbers grow across the country, prepare yourself to manage them effectively.

As nonprofit organizations fill an ever-increasing societal need by providing services in areas spanning health care, education, workforce development and support for disadvantaged populations, a new generation of nonprofit managers is in high demand. These managers must be prepared to deal head-on with the challenges that nonprofit organizations face due to their legal status, governance and funding needs in addition to managing and meeting standards of accountability.

The University of Baltimore's M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship leverages the expertise of the College of Public Affairs and the Merrick School of Business to provide you with a comprehensive education that addresses not just effective management but the forward-thinking initiatives of social enterprise.

How the program works:

This 36- to 39-credit program includes a 27-credit foundational core and a 9-credit specialization in one of three areas:

Global Affairs: Focus on the role of nongovernmental organizations in addressing global problems, taking classes from experts in global affairs and human security and in global leadership.

Health Management: Understand the role of nonprofits in health-care provision, which accounts for more than 60 percent of all nonprofit organizations in Maryland, and take advantage of the University's expertise in health systems management and public administration.

General Management: Hone your management skills and techniques through courses in both public and business administration, preparing yourself to deal with such issues as performance measurement, marketing and advanced human resource management.

Life after school:

When you graduate, you'll be skilled in:

understanding the role of the nonprofit sector, its scope, economics, significance and history

analyzing issues related to the unique legal, ethical and governance structures of the nonprofit sector

developing financial models to ensure sustainability of nonprofits, including fundraising, philanthropic gifts and the use of social enterprise mechanisms

identifying the different types of accountability under which nonprofit organizations must operate, including financial accountability and accountability to multiple stakeholders.

The nonprofit sector in the United States employs a steadily increasing segment of the nation's workforce. In Maryland alone, more than 10 percent of the state's workforce is employed by nonprofit organizations; in Baltimore, this number jumps to nearly 30 percent. Among nongovernmental employers, the nonprofit sector ranks third behind retail trade and manufacturing.